Policy Picks: China excessive packaging, Philippines sugar tax, India organic checks and more feature in our round-up

Time to comply: China issues guide for food firms to meet ‘excessive packaging’ rules​

The Chinese government has published guide for food firms trying to meet its new excessive packaging regulations, urging industry players to ensure they are fully compliant in the next six months.

China has been steadily working from a policy perspective to combat what has been dubbed the ‘excessive packaging’ phenomenon locally for several years, starting with regulations to restrict the use of excessive material in packaged food and cosmetic products in 2021​, and strict bans on the packaging material for festive foods​ in 2022.

Most recently, fresh foods and agricultural produce as well as foods purchased via e-commerce have come under the limelight with a new set of guidelines issued earlier this year in September, as was promised by the government late last year​.

Philippines sugar tax: ‘Watered-down’ policy will lead to fewer health gains – new data​

The sugar tax as implemented in the Philippines will lead to health and economic improvements, but to a lesser extent that if it had been enacted in its original form, new data suggests.

The tax that came into force was modified from its original version after a consultation period, with health campaigners expressing concerns that industry had too big an influence.           

In 2018, in response to the escalating rates of obesity, the Philippine government proposed a tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SBs) as part of a broader tax reform (Republic Act 10963 Section 47).

Organic ownership: India food authority orders upgrades for all state labs to boost exports​

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) is attempting to balance plans for boost organic food exports with ongoing food safety concerns by mandating all state-authorised laboratories to adopt organic testing capabilities.

FSSAI had initiated strategies to improve organic standards and governance in India in June this year, but reinforced this order in the third quarter amidst continuing public concern over adulterated organic products in the market.

This was also driven by increased government emphasis on growing organic exports earlier in September, which was announced by India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

Dubai rolls out multi-pronged measures to tackle food waste, promote sustainable economy​

The Dubai Municipality is doubling down on efforts to reduce food loss and waste by working with both local food companies and international organisations.

The Dubai government is looking to develop and implement “sustainable concepts and practices to achieve food abundance”, while preserving the resilience and sustainability of the country’s food systems, said Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

“This is in line with Dubai’s food security strategy, which seeks to diversify import sources, boost local production, reduce food loss and waste, and maintain food safety.”​

GM foods in South Korea: Government calls for ‘scientific input only’ in new public consultation for three food items​

The South Korean government has opened three food safety reports on genetically modified soybean, corn and canola for public comment, with the caveat that all opinions submitted must be ‘based on science and logic’ or risk being ignored.

Genetically modified (GM) foods and agricultural crops have yet to see acceptance in South Korea despite extensive research on many items from rice to peppers to lettuce, likely due to ongoing consumer pushback.

According to 2020 research from the Pew Research Centre, 57% of South Koreans felt that GM foods are unsafe, a good deal higher than the global average of 48% as well as compared to its neighbour Japan’s 32%.